Follow the path of Dao from infancy Chapter 1797 - 467: King’s Domain Realm (2)

Furthermore, should time allow... one could even keep forging additional supreme World Hearts, fusing them together to let several King’s Domain Hearts exist side by side!

The deeper Li Hao pondered this, the more horrifying it seemed. Should it truly advance to that point, picturing its might proved nearly impossible.

"He speaks the truth. While the King’s Domain Heart possesses great strength, back among the Seven Monarchs from a hundred thousand years past, merely two managed to carve out their own Emperor’s Path in the end; the others all met defeat, right down to the one standing next to you."

Dao Origin Immortal Emperor stated with composure.

Upon catching these words, Shi Miao shot him an irritated look, sensing he'd demeaned her before Li Hao, and grumbled, "Without that Ancient Devil War getting in the way, I surely would have carved my own Emperor’s Path. In this life, I'll absolutely tread it!"

Li Hao grasped what his master meant; in essence, the King’s Domain Heart paled in comparison to the Emperor’s Path.

"Your disciple gets it."

Li Hao replied.

Noting Li Hao's quick understanding, Dao Origin Immortal Emperor gave a faint nod. He knew full well how sharp this young pupil was and continued, "For your journey to the Eastern Domain this time, your fifth senior brother will watch over you. The trial in the Original Demon Cave carries scant real weight for you, and as your master, I grant you leave to head down the mountain."

Li Hao inclined his head and inquired, "What exactly is the Original Demon Cave?"

"The Original Demon Cave stands as a profoundly fearsome secret realm. As you know, Chaos fills the heart of the Primordial True Realm. It served as the primordial True Realm, making it nearest to the world's source. Within it lies a spot linking to the world's profoundest depths—that's the Original Demon Cave!"

"That place ought to count as the earliest Ancient Demon Cave, containing the ancestral blood seed of the Ancient Demon Clan!"

"Ancestral blood seed?"

Li Hao's face shifted a bit, caught off guard by the Ancient Demons' lingering presence here.

"To put it plainly, it's the primal Ancient Demon. The Ancient Demons roaming the outside world nowadays stem from endless lineages later on. Against the original Demons, they're far inferior in strength."

Shi Miao explained.

Li Hao's features altered once more. Original Demons surpassing Ancient Demons in power? Keep in mind, the Ancient Demon Clan's exceptional build let them overwhelm the Ten Thousand Clans on equal footing with ease; only same-rank prodigies could take them down, while regular powerhouses could scarcely hold their own.

"Master, from whence did the Ancient Demon Clan arise?"

Li Hao questioned, viewing the Ancient Demon Clan as deeply enigmatic, yet convinced his master held the key to their beginnings.

At Li Hao's query, Dao Origin Immortal Emperor grew quiet. Moments later, he began deliberately, "With your recent breakthrough to kinghood, certain matters no longer require secrecy from you. Still, such knowledge brings little practical gain. This Ancient Demon Clan hails from Reincarnation!"

"Reincarnation?"

Li Hao jolted in surprise, abruptly remembering words from the Ancient Demon Clan girl, Mi Xueyao, regarding Reincarnation Fragments.

"Legend holds that Reincarnation broke apart, driving the Ancient Demons into the True Realm to claim the domain of the Ten Thousand Clans."

Dao Origin Immortal Emperor continued unhurriedly, "In days gone by, an Immortal Emperor rallied allies under a 'Reverse Demon Plan' to storm the Ancient Demon Clan's realm, only discovering it already ruined. This left the Ancient Demon Clan without fallback. Once, we dispatched an Immortal Emperor for talks, offering to cede a portion of the True Realm for their dwelling, yet that Immortal Emperor ended up shamefully cornered by them, fleeing with grave injuries, nearly meeting his end."

With these words, a chill flickered in his gaze.

The Ten Thousand Races of the True Realm had extended kindness, ready to share existence with the Ancient Demons, yet the Ancient Demon Clan aimed to devour all Ten Thousand Races of the True Realm, lording over them and turning the Ten Thousand Clans into mere beasts.

Li Hao stood briefly dazed, his visage darkening unbidden, aware that his master included, numerous Immortal Emperors had poured vast endeavors and trials into this long ago, all crumbling to failure and sparking the devastating disaster of a hundred thousand years back.

"As for the seventh level trial in the Original Demon Cave, should you attempt it, success awaits. It demands combat prowess at the second level of the Immortal King Realm, and your roots run profound. Fresh from your breakthrough to king, you're already capable of clashing with the second level of the Immortal King Realm."

Shi Miao told Li Hao.

Beyond the Double World Heart alone, the Heavenly Dao Power nestled inside Li Hao, blended with sundry Extreme Realm and Final Realm forces—like Extreme Dao Chaos, True God Blood, and more—sufficed for Li Hao to erupt with second-level Immortal King Realm might.

"So then, those two who cleared the Original Demon Cave’s ninth level could effortlessly dispatch the pinnacle of the first level of the Immortal King Realm?"

Li Hao posed, astonished.

Shi Miao affirmed with a nod, "That level already approaches the might of the third level of the Immortal King Realm, Ancestor Emperor Power—utterly dreadful."

Li Hao found himself at a loss for words; despite forming the Double World Heart, it couldn't rival the foe stirring Ancestor Emperor Power. Was this the edge of heritage?

A lone road lacking heritage still falls short of the effortless prowess from the Heavenly Dragon People... Li Hao gave a wry smile, harboring no desire to vie with such figures. The road of Cultivation marks a lone pursuit of the Dao, much like him mulling over a board of Go, where the journey isn't about besting rivals but piercing through near-impossible dilemmas; such growth elevates the self alone, detached from others.

Carving an Emperor’s Path follows the same pursuit; the sole "foe" consists of personal hurdles and puzzles in enabling multiple World Hearts to dwell together.

"Old Wu."

Dao Origin Immortal Emperor summoned, and Long Qingge’s avatar materialized, advancing to bow: "Master."

"I'm entrusting Hao Er to your care—guard him well."

Long Qingge dipped his head, recalling the master had brought this up earlier. Of course, he'd seize the chance to bond deeper with his little junior brother; as fellow disciples, forging tighter ties to turn them into war allies would prove immensely advantageous for the coming Ancestor Dragon Court in the Eastern Domain.

"Master, have no fears—even staking my life, I won't allow my little junior brother to suffer harm!"

Long Qingge vowed without delay.

Dao Origin Immortal Emperor offered a subtle nod, then instructed Li Hao: "In that case, go with your fifth senior brother."

"Yes."

Li Hao agreed with a nod.

Dao Origin Immortal Emperor lifted his hand, tracing a ring through empty space, from which six beams of Divine Light cascaded down, shockingly assembling into a full array of Domain Artifacts!

As he eyed this array of Domain Artifacts, a hint of sorrow flashed in Dao Origin Immortal Emperor’s eyes, swiftly hidden away. He sent the Domain Artifacts gliding toward Li Hao and spoke measuredly:

"These belonged to a disciple of an old companion from bygone days, bound by three seals. You'll release them upon hitting the third, sixth, and ninth levels of the Immortal King Realm. At your present strength, handling it proves impossible otherwise."

"Twilight of the Gods?"

Shi Miao's face altered upon spotting this Domain Artifact set, displaying clear astonishment.

Li Hao glanced across, observing how the Domain Artifact's armor bore golden streaks like tears, akin to parched remnants—or more precisely, bloodstains!

"How did this Domain Artifact end up with you?"

Shi Miao couldn't resist turning to Dao Origin Immortal Emperor.

Dao Origin Immortal Emperor regarded the Domain Artifact, replying evenly: "Obviously, both that old companion and his disciple have long since vanished into silence."

Shi Miao's look shifted faintly, yet as if recalling a certain memory, she chose to hold her tongue in the end.

Li Hao turned to Shi Miao and asked, "What's the backstory behind this Domain Artifact?"

Shi Miao gave a slight nod, "This Domain Artifact was the possession of one among the Seven Monarchs from a hundred thousand years ago—the cast-off Armor of the God-Slaying Emperor. Prior to the great clash, the God-Slaying Emperor had ascended to the Quasi-Emperor Realm. During their early years, over a certain incident, they massacred the Ancient God Clan, toppling their youthful talents. On that fateful day, the Ancient God Clan endured a crushing blow, their renown greatly diminished. It was donning this very Domain Artifact back then, which earned it its title."

Li Hao felt dazed, instantly realizing this treasure carried an ancient legacy.

Shen Wuji of the Ancient God Clan, with whom he'd crossed paths before, had treated him warmly.

Affairs from a hundred thousand years prior differed vastly from those ten thousand years on, so Li Hao wouldn't mix them up, particularly with these mighty clans where folks ranged from noble to vile, upright to corrupt—no sweeping judgments applied.

"This ranks as a supreme Immortal King Realm Domain Artifact, serviceable clear to the Tenth Level of the Immortal King Realm."

Dao Origin Immortal Emperor informed Li Hao, "Moreover, your current Immortal Sword falls short for displaying your full might. As your master, I'll provide you with a new one."

He extended his hand, and abruptly, a dim gray bolt of lightning flickered in the emptiness, the void quivering subtly, as though some immensely fearsome entity neared emergence.

Moments later, a jet-black Ink Sword emerged, coiled with bloody strands around its grip, topped by an eyeball that, under Li Hao's stare, abruptly spun, fixing directly upon him.

Their gazes met, and Li Hao abruptly sensed a faint shock in his spirit, like a mighty spiritual sword intent piercing his awareness, resembling a slash of sword glow slicing his senses, delving far into the Sea of Consciousness.